Alvaro ROBLES and Ovidiu IONESCU in the final

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships

 

The thrilling semi final match in the Men’s Doubles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships concluded with the great victory for Alvaro ROBLES of Spain and Ovidiu IONESCU of Romania. For Portugal’s partnership of Tiago APOLONIA and Joao MONTEIRO there is a consolation in bronze – first ever medal for Portugal at the World Championships (11-6 3-11 10-12 11-7 11-7 9-11 11-8).

 

At the beginning of the dramatic duel ROBLES and IOENSCU were in charge but in next two games Portugal’s pairings took over the control. In the battle that kept spectators at the edge of their seats there were many ups and downs. In the seventh game ROBLES and IONESCU recovered from being 4:8 in reverse to win the match and the last point were followed by eruption from the stands.

 

“Everything came at the end to the small points to the details. At 4:8 we had to change something to risk more. We did not panic and the proof is that we are the winner now. We open the game because the short-short tactics did not work any more. We had to attack and to prevent any attack from the other side ” explained Alvaro.

 

Second and third game went on the Portugal’s account.

 

“They adjusted so quickly to our game. They forced us constantly to change and to risk. In addition I felt really heavy on my legs. We had very difficult match yesterday and it made a difference today in the seventh game ” said Alvaro.

 

 

In other semi final MA Long and WANG Chuqin of China overcame compatriots LIANG Jingkun and LIN Gaoyuan 4-0 (12-10 11-7 11-7 11-5).

 

“We already beat MA Long and XU Xin at ITTF tour. It is good for our confidence but I am sure that Chinese team studied our game. They will be much better prepared now ” explained IONESCU.” Howeve3r we believe in our partnership and we have confidence in each other. I am looking forward tomorrow’s match.”

Related News

Shocks and Strong Starts: Drama Unfolds in Girls’ Team Events

In the Under 19 Girls’ Team Event, top seeds France faced no difficulties. In the opening round of the tournament, the reigning champions overcame Slovakia in straight matches. Nia GUO...

Read more

MANTZ Begins Coaching Journey with Belgium at the 2025 European Youth Championships

The 2017 European Under 21 champion and member of Germany’s gold-winning team at the 2021 European Championships, Chantal MANTZ, has taken on a new role at the 2025 European Youth...

Read more

2025 EYC: No Favorites Are Safe in Ostrava

Already on the opening day of the 2025 European Youth Championships in Ostrava, fierce battles and surprising upsets marked the Team Events. In the Under 19 Junior Event, Czechia, backed...

Read more

The 67th EYC in Ostrava Commences: KODET Aiming for Third Consecutive Gold on Home Soil

The 67th European Youth Championships officially began today in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The competition opened with the team events, and fans can follow all the action on ETTU TV and...

Read more

Contact

About Us

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is the governing body of the sport of table tennis in Europe, and is the only authority recognized for this purpose by the International Table Tennis Federation. The ETTU deals with all matters relating to table tennis at a European level, including the development and promotion of the sport in the territories controlled by its 58 member associations, and the organization of continental table tennis competitions, including the European Championships.

Powered By

All Competitions

Senior Competitions

Club Competitions

Youth Competitions

More Competitions